Captain's Report

Captain's Report

Fairline Targa 44 Gran Turismo

By Capt. Rob Smith

Fairline is a world-renowned design and yacht building firm. The company builds three lines of boats – Targa, Phantom, and Squadron. The Targas are express cruisers, the Phantoms are flying bridge cruisers, and the Squadrons are motoryachts. Their designs are fresh and sporty. The all-new Targa 44 Gran Turismo is a modern express cruiser is the smallest model in the Targa line. Sleek, elegant and modern are appropriate terms when admiring this yacht. She is fit to entertain large groups as well as to promote a relaxing evening aboard for two.

Stepping aboard from the stern

The Targa 44 sports a large swim platform from which you can invite your guests aboard in safety as well as being a large floating “raft” for swimming at anchor. The platform is large enough to stow your tender in safety. For the water toys, Fairline has thoughtfully located a 12volt socket in a stern box to power your inflator. Dockside connections are grouped to port at the walk through along with a handy shower to rinse off after enjoying a swim. The rail across the top of the stern shows the sturdy design with its thick square wood rail and seriously heavy duty hardware.

The Cockpit

The cockpit is built to host a party or serve several in al-fresco style. The thick teak table is mounted on a swivel that moves from starboard side to aft. The top is split so you can reduce the size of the table and increase the open space when a group is on board. The electric driven engine hatch sole makes it easy to peer inside at the engine spaces when performing your morning checks prior to shoving off for the day or weekend. The seat backrest on the aft lounger also has an electric lift that quickly converts the seat from bench to a flat sunpad across the stern.

The engine roomThe Targa 44 was designed specifically to be powered by a Volvo Penta IPS system. This particular model has twin Volvo IPS600 engines installed. The IPS drive leaves plenty of space in the engine room for mechanics or you to easily get to all of the equipment there.

Bridge Deck

On the bridge deck a popular option is the galley on the port side forward. The one on my test model had a matching thick teak hinged top, double electric grill, sink, refrigerator and ice maker so you can whip up sumptuous hors devours or meals.

Fairline has opened up the overhead with fixed hatches with shades you can pull close. It also has an electric driven sunroof. With the sunroof open, you can stand at the helm. The sunroof has an automatic pneumatic seal to prevent rattling when it is open and it will also prevent the hatch from leaking when it is closed.

The helm had all the instruments a proper captain needs to monitor the engine and systems set in a low glare dash. The star of the helm is the joystick command unit that will make even the novice boaters feel at ease within a few minutes of trying it out. Across from the helm is a spacious upper lounger for several guests as well as a perfect spot for you and your mate to dine alone in the evening under the stars.

The Salon

The salon is bright and spacious. Fairline designed the galley to spread across the starboard side. The galley easily doubles as the service bar for the party with solid surface counters with clever covers expanding the space on top. The galley includes all the necessary cooking features you need to create meals aboard.

Overnight accommodations

The Targa 44 Gran Turismo is designed with two primary berths. The owner’s cabin is forward with its own private head while the aft or mid cabin has a combination day head that becomes their private head at night. The twin beds have ample overhead space at the foot of the beds making it much easier when you are changing cloths.

The owner’s cabin has a queen sized island berth. Every possible space is used for storage, including under the bed. The entry door swings pretty close to the end of the bed, but that is a small trade-off for the valuable space it provides in the salon where you will appreciate the extra room more. Inside the master head you will enjoy a circular enclosed shower, solid surface counter with flip-over extension over the toilet and modern raised bowl sink.

Specifications

The Targa 44 Gran Turismo measures 43’3” with an overall length of 44’11”. She measures 13’3” across the beam and weighs approximately 11.12 tons. This model has a fuel capacity of 219 gallons. Engine choices for the Targa 44 are either twin Volvo IPS600 D6-435-hp or twin Volvo IPS 500 D6 370-hp engines.

Standard and Optional Features